Tippecanoe County Commissioner Tracy Brown addresses the crowd in support of Small Business Saturday on Nov. 26. (WLFI Photo/Jamie Long)

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) — Elected officials from Tippecanoe County want people to think small during this holiday shopping season.

West Lafayette Mayor John Dennis, Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski and County Commissioner Tracy Brown were out Friday to support Small Business Saturday on Nov. 26. It’s a national campaign to get people to shop locally.

Greater Lafayette Commerce invited the officials to Java Jo’z in Lafayette to highlight how buying from local shop owners directly helps families in the community.

Lafayette business owner Richelle Peterson says to have local government support small businesses helps her thrive.

“When they bring business to me, they’re paying for my car, my rent and my son’s life,” Peterson said. “Small business is people. It’s not numbers.”

Java Jo’z owner Rob Root said shopping small helps in a big way.

“When I go to somebody else and their business is starting, the best thing I can do to them is to give them some business,” said Root. “It gives them hope; it gives them money to grow. The economy thrives when the money is spread around.”

Root started his coffee shop in 2008. He said his success relies on people’s commitment to buy local every day. Not just one day in November.